May is X & Y Chromosome Variation Awareness Month

X & Y Chromosome Variations, also known as sex chromosome aneuploidies (SCA), affect about 1 in 500 individuals.

More than 600,000 people in the United States have an SCA yet it is estimated that 75% go undiagnosed because of limited identifiable physical characteristics that would prompt further testing.

Males typically have one X and one Y chromosome. Females typically have two X chromosomes. Those with an SCA condition have one or more extra Xor Y chromosomes. The effects of having an SCA condition can range from mild to moderate to profoundly disabling. XXY (Klinefelter Syndrome) is the most common of the X and Y variations. Other people are born with Trisomy X, XYY, XXYY, and other variations.

Diagnosed individuals benefit enormously from early intervention and a variety of treatments and therapies. Those who remain undiagnosed often struggle through life with incomplete diagnoses such as developmental, behavioral or social delays, ADHD or autism.

We hope that X & Y Chromosome Variation Awareness Month will increase awareness of SCA conditions so individuals with X & Y variations attain better support from educators, have access to specialized clinics, encourage research and provide greater acceptance for all those living with an SCA condition.

About AXYS: AXYS is the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit health-advocacy
organization addressing the needs of individuals who were born with X & Y chromosome variations. AXYS provides resources and support for those individuals and their families as well as the clinicians, educators and researchers serving them. The work of AXYS includes a toll-free help line, support groups, webinars, The AXYS Family Conference, online and print materials, and the organization of specialized clinics dedicated to X & Y chromosome variations throughout the US.